Ambidextrous Pipe Elevator

ABSTRACT

An ambidextrous pipe elevator. The ambidextrous pipe elevator includes a first collar hingedly connected to a second collar defining a central channel, the central channel configured to receive a pipe. A latch is rotatably connected to a latch pin via a roll pin, the latch configured to releasably engage a latch lock and maintain the first and second collar in a closed configuration. A first lift arm is disposed on the first collar and a second lift arm disposed on the second collar. Each of the first and second lift arm include an opening which provides access to a channel, such that the channel is adapted to receive a lifting device such as a crane or other pipe casing lifting mechanism. The configuration of the lift arms allows the orientation to be changed depending on the handedness of the operator, which speeds the pipe casing insertion and/or removal process.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to pipe elevators. More specifically, the present invention provides a pipe elevator having a pair of opposing lift arms configured so that the pipe elevator can be supported in opposing orientations depending on the handedness of the user.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Elevators, such as casing elevators and piping elevators, are utilized to raise and lower casing pipes and other pipes in a variety of fields. One such field in which they are utilized a great deal is in drilling. Drilling rigs for example, use elevators to raise and lower the pipes needed to drill with a drilling machine, such as a drilling rig machine. Most such elevators are designed to be used by either left-handed or right-handed users, but not both, due the position of the latch. Due to this targeted design, only certain individuals may use these elevators, for example, only right handed individuals, which limits convenience. This repetitive use by only a right handed individual, for example, can make the elevator wear out more quickly, requiring repair or replacement of the elevator and increasing company costs. Further, without the use of an elevator, the safety on drilling rigs can become compromised. Thus, there is a need for an improved elevator which can be used by a right hand and left handed individual.

Devices are known that relate to piping elevators. One such device includes a drilling rig elevator with replaceable clamping inserts that includes an elevator link opening defined by curved, spaced arms. Another such device includes a tubing elevator with a pair of opposing hoisting ears. These devices, however, fail to provide a reversible pipe elevator, comprising a pair of lift arms configured to support a lifting device in opposing orientations, thereby enabling use from either direction. Such features are presented by the present invention.

In light of the devices disclosed in the prior art, it is submitted that the present invention substantially diverges in design elements from the prior art and consequently it is clear that there is a need in the art for an improvement to existing pipe elevator devices. In this regard the instant invention substantially fulfills these needs.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the known types of pipe elevators now present in the prior art, the present invention provides a pipe elevator wherein the same can be utilized for providing convenience for the user when using a pipe elevator right or left handed. The ambidextrous pipe elevator includes a first collar hingedly connected to a second collar defining a central channel, the central channel configured to receive a pipe. A latch is rotatably connected to a latch pin, the latch configured to releasably engage a latch lock and maintain the first collar and the second collar in a closed configuration. A first lift arm is disposed on the first collar and a second lift arm disposed on the second collar. Each of the first lift arm and the second lift arm include an opening which provides access to a channel, such that the channel is adapted to receive a lifting device such as a crane or other pipe casing lifting mechanism. This allows the ambidextrous pipe elevator to be used in one orientation where the latch pin is to the left, and an opposing orientation where the latch pin is to the right. The orientation can be changed depending on the handedness of the operator, which speeds the pipe casing insertion and removal process.

Other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Although the characteristic features of this invention will be particularly pointed out in the claims, the invention itself and manner in which it may be made and used may be better understood after a review of the following description, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings wherein like numeral annotations are provided throughout.

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of the ambidextrous pipe elevator.

FIG. 2 shows an elevated perspective view of the ambidextrous pipe elevator.

FIG. 3 shows a cross-sectional view of one of the collars from an alternate embodiment of the ambidextrous pipe elevator.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Reference is made herein to the attached drawings. Like reference numerals are used throughout the drawings to depict like or similar elements of the ambidextrous pipe elevator. For the purposes of presenting a brief and clear description of the present invention, the preferred embodiment will be discussed as used for lifting pipe casings. The figures are intended for representative purposes only and should not be considered to be limiting in any respect.

Referring now to FIG. 1, there is shown a perspective view of the ambidextrous pipe elevator. The ambidextrous pipe elevator 11 comprises a first collar 21 and a second collar 22 hingedly secured to one another forming a central channel adapted to receive a pipe therein. In some embodiments, each of the first collar 21 and the second collar 22 comprise a base 33 thereon. Each base 33 extends outwardly from its respective collar such that the base is perpendicular thereto. The base can further steady the ambidextrous pipe elevator 11 when used as a slip or a holding device for a pipe already in a well bore. Each of the first and second collar 21, 22 include a lift arm 12.

In the shown embodiment, the lift arms 12 comprise a first lift arm disposed on the first collar 21 and a second lift arm on the second lift collar 22. The lift arms 12 extend radially and outwardly from each of the corresponding collars 21, 22. However, in alternative embodiments, the lift arms 12 extend outwardly at an angle from each of the corresponding collars 21, 22. Each lift arm 12 includes a channel 16 accessible via a channel opening 17. The channel opening 17 is selectively closed off via a closure such as a locking bolt 15.

When accessible, the channel 16 is connectable to a lifting device such as a crane or lift for lifting the ambidextrous pipe elevator 11, thereby lifting a pipe casing to which it is secured. The lift arms 12 support the first and second collars 21, 22 when the device 11 is suspended above the ground when lifting a pipe casing or other similar object. The ambidextrous pipe elevator 11 can be oriented in a first direction such that the upper end 13 of the lift arms 12 supports the ambidextrous pipe elevator 11, or oriented in a second direction such that the lower end 14 of the lift arm 12 supports the ambidextrous pipe elevator 11.

The ambidextrous pipe elevator 11 further comprises a latch 27 rotatably connected to a latch pin 28. The latch 27 is configured to releasably engage a latch lock comprising an upper member 25 and lower member 26. A spring 20 is operably connected to the latch pin 28. The spring is configured to bias the latch 27 toward the latch lock upper and lower members 25, 26. A chain 18 is secured to the latch 27, and a hook 19 is disposed on one of the lifting arms 12. The free end of the chain 18 is removably securable to the hook 19. The chain 18 acts as a safety mechanism for the latch, ensuring that it remains secure.

In the illustrated embodiment, the latch 27 and latch pin 28 are disposed on the second collar 22 while the hook 19 is disposed on the first collar 21. However, the latch 27 and latch pin 28 may alternatively be disposed on the first collar 21 while the hook is disposed on the second collar 22. The ambidextrous pipe elevator 11 can be utilized in a first direction such that a first end 23 is oriented upward, placing the latch 27 on a side that is easier for right handed individuals to operate. Alternatively, the ambidextrous pipe elevator 11 can be utilized in a second direction such that a second end 24 is oriented upward, placing the latch 27 on an opposing side that makes it easier for left handed individuals to operate. In order to accommodate either position, the hook 19 may include an upper curved portion and a lower curved portion, such that either may receive the chain 18.

Referring now to FIG. 2, there is shown elevated perspective view of the ambidextrous pipe elevator. The first and second collars 21, 22 are secured to each other via a hinge 29 having a hinge pin 38 inserted therethrough. The first and second collars 21, 22 maintain the shown open position when ready to receive a pipe casing or other object for lifting, and can then be subsequently closed. In the illustrated embodiment, the thickness of the first and second collars 21, 22 is uniform from a first end 23 to a second end 24 thereof.

Referring now to FIG. 3, there is shown a cross-sectional view of one of the collars from an alternate embodiment of the ambidextrous pipe elevator. In the shown embodiment, the collar 41 includes a central channel 46. The central channel 46 is accessible via either one of an upper opening 44 disposed on an upper end 42 of the collar 41 or a lower opening 45 disposed on a lower end 43 of the collar.

The central channel 46 comprises an upper portion 47 and a lower portion 48. The upper portion 47 of the central channel 46 has a diameter that is less than a diameter of the lower portion 48. In this way, the ambidextrous pipe elevator can be used in one orientation to lift pipe casings or other objects having a first diameter, which can also be used in a second orientation to lift pipe casings or other objects having a second diameter greater than the first diameter.

It is therefore submitted that the instant invention has been shown and described in what is considered to be the most practical and preferred embodiments. It is recognized, however, that departures may be made within the scope of the invention and that obvious modifications will occur to a person skilled in the art. With respect to the above description then, it is to be realized that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention, to include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the present invention.

Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention. 

I claim: 1) An ambidextrous pipe elevator, comprising: a first collar hingedly connected to a second collar defining a central channel, the central channel configured to receive a pipe; a latch rotatably connected to a latch pin, the latch configured to releasably engage a latch lock and maintain the first collar and the second collar in a closed configuration; a first lift arm disposed on the first collar and a second lift arm disposed on the second collar; and each of the first lift arm and the second lift arm comprising an opening which provides access to a channel, the channel adapted to receive a lifting device. 2) The ambidextrous pipe elevator of claim 1, wherein the first lift arm and the second lift arm comprise a locking bolt configured to selectively permit access to the channel. 3) The ambidextrous pipe elevator of claim 1, wherein the central channel comprises a uniform diameter. 4) The ambidextrous pipe elevator of claim 1, wherein a diameter of an upper portion of the central channel is greater than a diameter of a lower portion of the central channel. 5) The ambidextrous pipe elevator of claim 1, further comprising a spring in operative communication with a latch pin, the spring configured to bias the latch toward the latch lock. 6) The ambidextrous pipe elevator of claim 1, further comprising a chain connected to the latch and a hook disposed on either the first collar or the second collar, wherein a free end of the chain is removably securable to the hook. 7) The ambidextrous pipe elevator of claim 1, wherein the hook comprises an upper curved portion and a lower curved portion. 8) The ambidextrous pipe elevator of claim 1, wherein each of the first lift arm and the second lift arms extend in an opposing direction from each other. 9) The ambidextrous pipe elevator of claim 1, further comprising a base disposed on a lower end of each of the first collar and the second collar, each base extending perpendicularly from its respective collar. 